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What’s the Difference Between Lumbar Strain and Herniated Disk?

Does your back get painful when you are lifting things or bending down? Is the pain worsening even when you are sitting or standing? Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the US, and approximately 85% of Americans have experienced back pain at one point or another in their lives.

As two of the most common causes, lumbar strain and herniated disk are quite familiar to those who suffer from back pain. But do you know the specific differences between them?

Lumbar strain

Lumbar strain can occur when the muscles become stiff from staying in one position for a long time without exercise. Therefore, people who sit at a desk for a long time, especially in an improper posture, are more likely to get lumbar strain.

Unfortunately, lumbar strain is hard to locate, and there is no obvious pain when you press your back. However, you are more likely to experience dull back pain in a particular position. For example, when bending over, you may feel a more pronounced pain originating from both sides of the lumbar spine.

Another characteristic of lumbar strain is that you may relieve the pain after resting for some period. However, on the other hand, it may worsen after putting pressure on the muscles during work.

Herniated disk

How does herniated disk form? The soft tissues connecting the spine are called discs. If the discs are squeezed and come out from the gaps between the bones, they can press on the nerves and cause back pain, also known as a herniated disk.

Common symptoms of a herniated disk include persistent dull pain from the lumbosacral area and numbness in the lower part of your body. Pain caused by herniated disc can be mild or acute and intolerable depending on the condition and may get more severe when coughing, sneezing, or defecating.

What’s the difference between the two?

To summarize, the most common differences between the lumbar strain and the herniated disk include:

Lumbar strain generally has little effect on mobility, while the herniated disk often results in difficulty when bending over to some degree.

Pain caused by lumbar strain is generally from the sides of the spine, while pain caused by the herniated disk is around the middle of the spine.

Also, the symptoms are not similar. Symptoms of lumbar strain usually include back pain only, but the herniated disk has more symptoms such as numbness.

Difference between lumbar strain and herniated disc

How to avoid lumbar strain and herniated disk?

  • Avoid bending over. One way to avoid back injury while lifting something is to avoid bending over. The proper way is to bend your knees and squat down to lift them.
  • Maintain good posture. Keep your shoulders back, chin up and chest out when standing or walking, sit up with your feet on the floor, and sleep on your side on a firm mattress.
  • Choose appropriate shoes. High heels, cowboy boots, and flip-flops can cause stress and injury to your back. If you are walking, jogging, or running for exercise, spend some time and money to research and buy appropriate footwear.
  • Stretch before and after exercise. Warming up and cooling down your muscles is very important to stay away from injuries.

How does MiraMate help with lumbar strain and herniated disk?

MiraMate Big Magic is a popular Low Field Magnetic Stimulation device for both lumbar strain and herniated disk. MiraMate Low Field Magnetic Stimulation therapy recharges the damaged cells, stimulates the healing of cells and tissues, and sends pulsed energy to the back area to relieve pain. It can also promote bone and connective tissue regeneration. What’s more, Low Field Magnetic Stimulation therapy can stimulate the blood flow within your body and strengthen the blood vessels to carry a sufficient amount of oxygen to the cells, promoting healthier blood circulation to reduce your back pain.

Big Magic comes with a comfortable mat, which is particularly helpful for lumbar strain and herniated disk. The mat is long enough to cover your entire back, so you can place it under the sheets of your bed for an overnight treatment, and your back pain will get better naturally.

Click here to learn more about MiraMate Big Magic.

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